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Hello, everyone. My name is David and I'm new here and to sport kites. I recently bought some supermarket cheapo kites to take my sons out to fly with, and have thought of getting a beginner's sport kite to learn on. I keep hearing about the Quantum, Hypnotist, and the Addiction as good kites to learn on. My question is are there any fliers here in the Houston area that would like to teach a newcomer how to fly? I'd love to try out some kites prior to purchasing one (although I am kinda leaning towards the Quantum), so would love to fly with anyone (especially if they have any of the above models). I was really leaning towards the Nexus, but have been reading that it's best to learn on a full size kite. Thanks in advance, everyone.

I have a quantum and I like it, but I would go back and get a hypnotist. I think it offers a few different things than the quantum. Contrary to what you might think, a bigger kite tends to fly better. Good construction Is most important. I'm a newbie as well and have learned to upgrade at the beginning is better for the long term.

Being in Houston is good because you can get to the shore and smooth winds that usually come from over the water, Unless your prevailing winds come from land.

Do lots of research. This forum and Kitelife's forum are great resources. I have learned so much from these kiters that it really is like having your own college professors to help you anytime. I love it so far, but I wish I had a ocean or great lake next door.

Ps I have a nexus. It's a blast but too small and too fast to do tricks on yet.

While I was born in Houston & raised in the Woodlands area, my job has kept me exiled in California for nearly 8 years now.

While I haven't tried the kites you're asking about, I do have some other helpful advice that, while applicable anywhere, is based on my personal experience back home.

1) Good, consistent winds are hard to come by. Either there are trees or buildings that are generating all sorts of turbulence. The lighter the wind, the worse the turbulence will be.

2) If you read the National Weather Service's forecasts on the wind, immediately take 5 mph off the stated wind speed for most locations (because of #1). This is especially applies during summer. When the forecast said "5-10 mph", it meant that I would have to just pull out the boomerangs and forget about flying. At least until I bought a true ultralight kite.

3) If you can, get out to Galveston or some other huge, empty coastal field to learn. That way, learning will be fun, and not a drudgery.

Just remember - this is all about having fun - especially if you're trying to get your boys involved.

=) Thanks for all the replies, fellas. I totally agree with the point you made about it being about having fun, Texan. I'm not really interested in learning tricks just yet, mostly want to just get the basics down and actually build a strong foundation before moving onto tricking. My boys are still fairly young, so they just fly single line kites right now.

Maybe I'll get a chance to go down to Galveston to do some kite flying and fishing. lol Thanks for the info about subtracting 5 mph off of the stated wind rating.

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